Effie Blakely was a gentle soul who did her best to keep an optimistic view of the world and her place in it at all times. Sonja looked forward to a cup of camp coffee with Effie whenever the chance arose. She supposed their talks reminded her of the way of life she left back in Pennsylvania.
Behind them was a new wagon, Sonja didn’t recognize at first, not until the familiar cavalry hat belonging to the lieutenant came into view. He glanced behind the wagon as he steered the wooden conveyance-on-wheels while a slim dark-haired beauty sat beside him. The pang of jealousy hit Sonja in the chest was sharp and ragged of blade. She blinked with the pain of the new emotion. Never before in her life had she been so stricken by the one scene as she was with the woman sitting next to the man she loved more than life itself. Mrs. St. John, she concluded, was breathtakingly beautiful in the delicate way those of French decent possessed.
Briann noted Sonja’s pale face. “What’s wrong, dear?”
“Nothing,” Sonja shifted her gaze to the land stretching before them. “I must’ve gripped the buckboard too tightly. My hand began to throb, that’s all.”
The look Briann sent her spoke of understanding. “We’ll be there soon, Sonja. All will be right once more. You’ll see.” Patting her sister’s leg, she focused forward on the team and their path.
Silently, Sonja hoped her sister’s reasoning was sound. The dread she held a tight rein on spoke of trouble.
Chapter 7 Control
“I appreciate your help.” The widow St. John batted her lashes.
Determined he wouldn’t give into the temper brewing, Ty clamped down on his teeth and nodded. Did he have a reason to wish Smoltz to die a slow death? Yes, he supposed he did. Having to put up with being an escort yet again for another widow, tried his patience to its limit.
“I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t agreed to help me, Mr. Loflin?” She spread her lace fan. Her efforts at stirring the air wafted a scent in Ty’s direction. A Peculiar scent that was somehow familiar. Yet, he couldn’t place the faintly earthy aroma.
He had a hard enough time keeping the widow’s hands and eyes off him and his hide. Damn, Smoltz! He tried Ty’s patience at every turn. He couldn’t cross the man though, because Smoltz recognized something was amiss with them.
Doing everything in his power to keep from acknowledging the widow’s provocative smile or the swell of her bosom beneath the sheer lace of her bodice proved the hardest of tasks.
“It’s my job, Mrs. St. John.” The job didn’t include fringe benefits for the widow. Ty stiffened when her petite hand closed over his thigh.
“Would you mind if I hold…”
“As a matter of fact, I would.” Ty slid to the opposite side of the buckboard. Jumping down, he turned. Without allowing even the slightest expression, his face hardened. “I’ve got things to do.”
“Well, what am I supposed to do now?” she wailed in disbelief.
“Try driving the team, Mrs. St. John. Otherwise, you won’t get far.” With one leap, he was astride his horse, untying the animal from the wagon and leaving the heiress to make it on her own.
***
Sonja jerked back to face the trail and the wagon master’s lead. Tears burned the backs of her eyes. Briann’s small son, Ethan reached out taking her skirt in his small fist.
“Aunt Sony?”
His cherub mouth worked over the words as he tried with difficulty to pronounce her name. “Yes, sweetheart, what is it?”
“You gonna cry?” His concern was so pure and innocent, Sonja had to suck in air and hold it before she broke down and sobbed right there on the seat. Such a thing would never do, she mused and stiffened to sit straight as a rod on the wooden buckboard, swaying gently with the team’s progress.
“No, Sony’s not gonna cry. Don’t you worry, son. I got some dust in my eyes, that’s all.”
Her fib fooled the child and he settled back against the plank backrest, nodding in understanding. “Good. Maw says we shouldn’t make you cry ‘cause that would hurt you and we don’t want you to hurt, Aunt Sony.”
Listening to the small boy’s words, Sonja realized she’d been insensitive to the feelings of those around her. Her sister and the boys could be in danger at any moment because of her. The bloodsuckers would do whatever it took to get to her. She wasn’t a fool. Like Sonja, Briann was also uprooted by the discovery of vampires among the Union army’s rank and file. The fact Briann warned the children to be considerate of her feelings sent a pang of guilt straight through her heart. How stupid, she’d been feeling sorry for herself when others depending on her for their safety. Neither did she have time for wallowing in self-pity over the lieutenant. He was a grown man and capable of controlling himself, wasn’t he? He’d better be! Her cheeks flamed at the idea of another woman working her wiles on him and Ty succumbing to her charms in a moment of weakness. The sun must be getting warmer. She perspired in the noonday heat.
The smallest hand tugged at her shirtwaist sleeve continued to apply pressure to the material. When had Ethan become so strong?
“Aunt Sony, are you listening?”
“Sorry, Ethan. What did you say?” Sonja wasn’t sure if she was overcome with the heat or a surge of wolf blood made her woozy but she slowed her team, hoping the sensation would pass.
Ethan’s insistent voice droned on in her ears.
“I said General Stewart came by last night to check on us.”
It was hard to hear him over the roaring in her head. The wagon hit a hole, causing Sonja to lurch sideways almost unseating her. Managing to return to the present, she whispered an Indian prayer Ty had taught her. Up ahead she spotted the wagon master ambling along. Stars danced around the corners of her vision. It wouldn’t do for him to see her having difficulty. “Briann?” The scrape of leather on wood from the back of the wagon announced her sister’s arrival. Soon Briann appeared in the opening of the canvas cover.
“Woah, girl. Easy…” Sonja pulled hard on the reins and slapped with the whip to remind Daisy what her place in the team meant. Pulling harder on the reins, Sonja was finally able to calm the mule before Daisy caused the whole team to act up. “Would you take the reins for a bit? I’m seeing spots and my face feels flush.”
Bryan checked her temple for a fever. “Of course, sweetie. You do seem clammy. Have you forgotten to drink enough water? You know what Hortence said about getting fluids down after a change. It’s only been a week since the full moon.”
“Yes, yes, I’m drinking enough water. You’re worse than a mother hen always clucking around me. Seems you’d remember who’s the oldest here.” Cocking a brow at Briann, Sonja turned to slide back to the relatively cool interior of the wagon. What she wouldn’t give for a little sleep, she mused. Since leaving Pennsylvania, there’d been one thing after another. What with watching out for vampires, keeping a low profile and yearning for the arms of the lieutenant around her in the wee hours of the night, she was a mess. Being the oldest, the duty to look after the other members of her family fell to her. Another search for Ty left her disappointed. In the distance, she spotted a small cloud of dust. It must be him leaving to do whatever scouts did on a trail.
“Here, let me switch places with you. I’ll drive while you lie down.”
Sonja mumbled her thanks and fell into the comfort of the cot. Little Ethan stood watching her as he held tight to the side. The wagon’s sway lulled her into sleep despite her better effort to stay awake.
***
Ty allowed the horse to have his head. Brooding, he’d been told did a man no good. His older brother, John brooded. There must be some family gene for brooding in the Loflin clan. His thoughts turned to the Sonja. Her cool attitude toward him did a good job of keeping him up. He hadn’t slept well since he left the wagon train. Dreams about her body wreaked havoc with his control. He was a realist. Most of the incidents since he’d met Sonja were grounded in magic and fantasy.
His recent task proved a challenge. The widow
St. John was an heiress from New Orleans. Damn Smoltz to hell and back for ordering him to ride with her. All he could think of was Sonja. No good would come of such thoughts. Sure, during the day, he could scout and keep his distance, but at night, things could get out of hand.
Shoving his Stetson down further on his head, Ty jerked his mind back before sliding boneless from Soldier’s back. He gave the horse’s nose a rub as he eyed Sonja’s wagon. He should go straight over to Smitty’s cook wagon. Then his keen eyes found her.
Sonja stepped from the other side of her wagon with a linen towel slung over her shoulders. Her shirtwaist opened and revealed the creamy swell of her breasts above her chemise. Ty could tell she wore no corset. The slender shape was all hers. Totally ignoring his sensible side, Ty could only stare as she came around the wagon and sat down next to the small fire she’d built in the grate. With her arms above her head, the linen wrap fell away from her hair.
Her long hair fell to her waist. She worked the towel down the length of the glossy mane to her waist. Long, agile fingers smoothed out any tangles before she picked up a large comb and ran it through the silky locks.
Ty’d been standing in the same spot for some time. He should make himself known, but something prevented him from doing so.
She hummed quietly to herself. The firelight played over her skin giving it the glow of warm cream.
His fingers tingled. Her hands stroked down the length of her hair in the soft firelight. Imagining what those fingers would feel like on his skin, made Ty snap back to his senses. He coughed.
Sonja jumped and turned. Her expression full of surprise and irritation showed plainly on her face. “What are you doing?” she asked curtly. Standing, she fisted her hands on her hips, which caused her bodice to open wider. Apparently, she’d forgotten about her open shirtwaist. Only the thin cotton of her chemise covered the crests of her breasts.
“I got back from the trail,” Ty explained. A trickle of sweat began to run down his backbone. The sensation mixed with the confusion in his brain prompted his throwing of the question back at her. “What are you doing?” Ty asked in a sharp tone as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
Sonja’s first reaction was more or less, what Ty expected. “It’s none of your business.” Her nose tilted upward. “But if you must know, I was washing my hair in some of the rain water.”
Ty glared at her and winced inwardly as she trailed those long, agile fingers down the sagging sleeve of her dress, effectively pulling it further down and increasing the view. He’d died and gone to heaven.
A quick glance and in the direction of his gaze and Sonja quickly turned away as she worked at the buttons of her shirtfront.
Ty could see her color deepen in the glow surrounding the fire. “Got any coffee?” he asked, rather innately.
Sonja flicked her gaze up at him before using her chin in pointing at the pot sitting on the grate. “It’s not too old,” she murmured. “And don’t sneak up on me like that again.” She punctuated her statement by whirling and flouncing away.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ty tipped his hat to her retreating form before stooping to pick up the pot. The first sip tasted bitter in his mouth. With a jerk of his wrist, coffee went sailing into the air and the cup settled not far behind. Damn the situation to hell and back! He didn’t need these feelings churning inside him. He’d go see Smitty and maybe he’d have a bowl of something to put in his belly.
***
Smoltz rested on his saddle and stared into the fire. “Don’t worry. I’ve already heard what happened.” He eyed Ty as he walked up. Blowing a stream of cigar smoke high into the night air, he watched it rise.
“The filthy son-of-a-bitch was sniffing’ around her skirts like a rancher checking a brood mare. I wasn’t gonna let him get his hands on her. And you can forget telling me, it’s none of my business, ‘cause you’re the one who made it my business.” Ty’s eyes fired with the temper flowing through him.
“Easy, Ty. Settle down. I’m not gonna come down on you because you took care of some horny farmer who figured he’d come across easy pickens’.”
Not saying anything, Ty simply stared.
“Nelson’s already been by.” Smoltz sank his teeth into the cigar butt and blew out a stream of fragrant air. “What I am gonna say to you is watch your back. Now that Nelson has it in for you, he won’t let it go.”
“He was messin’ where he had no business and I explained that to him in a language he could understand. That’s all.”
“Then what?” Smoltz eyes squinted into the smoke that wreathed Ty’s face.
“Then…then we…then I stayed for supper. Mrs. Brooks invited me.” Feeling like he’d stepped in it, Ty shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Smoltz glanced up from the fire.
“And what is it I’m doing, huh? What am I’m doing? You ordered me to do this. You ordered me to watch her and widow St. John. Here it is. You created this mess, Earl.”
Smoltz nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I guess you’re right about that. The good preacher was by here and said the same thing.” He shifted his bulk and stood. “He says I’m breeding iniquity— whatever the hell that is. Sonja Brooks is your woman, I know that and I know too that neither of them, Mrs. Brooks or the Widow St John, are able to stand off an Indian attack alone. From what you’ve brought back these past few days, we’re headed for an attack.” He lowered his head. “Seems to me, we’ve got about a two day trek through the Cherokee nation before we can get to the Mississippi. I’m doing what I think’s right here, that’s all.”
Ty considered the wagon master’s words. He waited a beat before asking, “Why me?”
Smoltz sent him a quizzical look.
“I’ve got several able bodied men with me from my unit. Any of them could watch the St. John wagon. Why me?” Smoltz chuckled. “She asked for you in particular.” Waving a hand he continued, “I know what you’re gonna say, but if she was after somebody, you’re the only one I could count on not to let her have her way with you. You’re taken.”
When Ty’s brow furrowed, Smoltz went on to explain. “Besides, keeps the preacher off my back about my men dallying with the widows was worth your mad.”
Ty flung out an arm and shook his head in disgust.
Smoltz chuckled dryly before hocking and spitting into the flames. “Son, here’s another thing, you’re the best damn scout I’ve ever had and that’s why I got you watchin’ them. Now, get some damn shut-eye and be ready to find out what’s ahead of us tomorrow. All right?”
***
Listening to Smitty snore, Ty considered the things Smoltz had said. He’d had no idea.
Lying there with his Stetson over his face, Ty let his mind relax.
The braying of a mule brought him fully awake. Blinking and knuckling his eyes, Ty searched the wagon for the sound. When no mule appeared, Ty scrambled up and tugged on his pants. With his rifle in hand, Ty slid from the back of the wagon and landed with a barefooted thud on the cold ground.
It was late and the moon was nonexistent. The mule continued to bray while somebody hissed and groaned aloud.
Squinting into the dimly lit ground around the wagons, Ty attempted to course the sounds. A scream settled the dilemma as Sonja’s call for help came to him over the mule’s balking.
Growls, yelps, then a gunshot, and Ty’s heart stopped for an instant. Racing toward the sound, Ty could see Sonja struggling with a hairy beast standing on its hind-legs. The beast fought with Sonja over a gun - no the mule’s line. Hell, Ty couldn’t make out what.
Nearing the struggle, Ty got a whiff of the hairy beast. The wolf sprang to the defense. Ty’s bones started to shift. He had to regain control – focus!
The attacker stood on two legs – human? His back was covered in fur – Werewolf? The stench coming from him was strong, like rotting flesh – vampire? A closure look revealed a man, though hairy and filthy, still a man struggling with Sonja. Her
eyes bore their werewolf gold. Ty had to get to her and stop the change before both of them became Likens and took care of this trapper without delay.
Slipping up behind the trapper, Ty hooked his rifle around the man’s neck and tightened his hold, effectively cutting off his wind. Within seconds, the struggle was over as the trapper fell to the ground gasping for air.
“She has fangs! Christ on a crutch, she bit me!” The man struggled with Ty to display his wounds. His plea was lost in the melee though he still tried to fight. Pelts flew and grunts sounded from the tussle to regain control of the situation. Soon men, who’d followed Ty, secured the trapper quickly to a wagon wheel.
Sonja slumped to the ground in a heap, clutching her arm to her side and wincing in pain.
Ty knelt beside her as several curious people including Preacher Jones crowded in close.
“She has no business out here.” Jones interjected as several more onlookers moved in for a look. “We should have Mr. Smoltz drop her at the next town if not before. She’ll bring us nothing but trouble. Heed my words! She has the mark of the unworldly!” He’d positioned himself in front of Sonja and raised his hand as if toward heaven in a beseeching attempt at gathering others opinions.
Sonja glowered at him with the gold of the change shimmering in her eyes.
“Look at her eyes!” Nelson slithered into view and the crowd parted for him as he stepped forward with an accusing finger pointed at Sonja.
Sonja wiped spit from her lip as the curious onlookers tried for a better view of her condition.
Ty hunkered beside her and gathered her in his arms. Giving her time to calm, he motioned the curious to step back. She shook in his hold. Her breathing was erratic and her still glowed in the werewolf state. “Get back, will you? Give her some room, for Christ’s sake.
Darlings of Paranormal Romance (Anthology) Page 39